IT WOULD HAVE BEEN unthinkable just a few short years ago, but Genesis is pushing boundaries and surprising enthusiasts by revealing a new concept car, the X Gran Berlinetta Vision Gran Turismo Concept. Unveiled at the Gran Turismo World Series World Finals in Barcelona, Spain, the concept car was created as part of Polyphony Digital’s Vision Gran Turismo series and will be available to race in the game from January 2024.
The 2024 X Gran Berlinetta VGT Concept embodies the most emotional expression of the Genesis brand’s characteristic Athletic Elegance design philosophy. The Concept was born from a design study that demonstrates Genesis’ passion and intent for the Vision Gran Turismo series.
The Genesis X Gran Berlinetta VGT Concept’s design language is pure and muscular with volumes centred around the wheels. Its design orchestrates the cab backwards proportions with Genesis’ typical anti-wedge attitude that is structured around a virtual parabolical tensioned theory, which is common to the Genesis model line-up. The package design maximises the dash-to-axle ratio while moving the driver and powertrain rearward for a lean mid-engine layout.
“Our goal was to create a timeless design rooted in the essence of motorsport,” says John Krsteski, Genesis Senior Chief Designer. “We have an incredibly diverse global design team that are car and racing enthusiasts. The designers relished the opportunity to create a race car that featured Genesis design elements as well as technical performance attributes. It has become a catalyst of inspiration for our other programs.”
The X Gran Berlinetta VGT Concept sports Genesis’ new front fascia, which abstracts the Crest Grille and links it with the Quad Lights. This structures the volumes and connects the front and rear with Genesis’ Two Lines brand identifier in a lightweight aerodynamic construction. Flowing through the bodyside past the gently arching front fender, the parabolic gesture is a sculpturally dominant feature, accentuating the powerful rear fender forms.
The fuselage extrudes towards the rear, culminating in an elliptical concave volume, which is common to Genesis vehicles. It is framed by a rear spoiler and lateral trailing edges for aerodynamic high-speed stability. The contrast of energetic body sculpture with technical aero details creates the ultimate expression of grand touring spirit.
The Magma colour continues the X Gran Berlinetta VGT Concept’s energetic theme. Inspired by the Genesis brand’s Distinctly Korean ethos, the bold hue references Korea’s volcanoes and the emotion, passion and vibrancy of the nation’s culture.
High performance was clearly the goal for Genesis designers, who worked to achieve impressive aerodynamic fluidity. By integrating aerodynamic aids and orchestrating internal and laminar flows, the Genesis X Gran Berlinetta VGT Concept’s drag coefficient stands at just 0.34.
The X Gran Berlinetta VGT Concept’s interior derives Genesis’ Beauty of White Space attitude by creating a purist environment for the pilot. The essential functions are prioritised to maximise focus while on the race track. The digital panoramic interface serves as an information centre. It is linked to the surround digital monitoring system, which provides unobstructed views of nearby vehicles. The steer-by-wire grip commands allow for precise and decisive manoeuvring, giving the pilot a competitive edge.
The carbon cabin strategically incorporates soft touch points wherever the driver comes into contact. The quilted, padded bolsters protect the pilot while racing and while exiting and entering the car during pit stops.
The Genesis X Gran Berlinetta VGT Concept is powered by a front mid-mounted Lambda 11 V6 engine, electrically assisted by Genesis E-SC technology. The hybrid race-spec drivetrain delivers a total of 799kW and 1,337Nm of torque, ensuring that this car is as powerful as it is beautiful. The V6 screams at 10,000 RPM while delivering a maximum output of 649kW and 1071Nm while the Yasa E motor generates an additional 150kW and 266Nm of torque.